THE Department for Transport has officially signed off new deals for the Northern franchise with Arriva Rail North Ltd and the TransPennine Express franchise with First Trans Pennine Express Limited.

The formal confirmation of the nine and seven year-long contracts respectively follow a “standstill period” of at least ten days since the announcement was made earlier this month.

Both companies are promising a £1.2 billion boost to rail services with 500 new modern carriages, room for 40,000 more passengers and 2,000 extra services.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin claimed the two operators would deliver a “world class rail service”.

He said: “In 2004, the last time these contracts were awarded, the Government did not plan for growth.

“With the signing of these contracts, Arriva Rail North Limited and First Trans Pennine Express Limited are on track to deliver their exciting, ambitious plans that will make a real difference to customers.

“Coupled with our commitment to push ahead with electrifying the vital TransPennine route, this will help the region realise its full economic potential, ensuring it has a modern 21st Century transport system. This is fantastic news for the North.”